HORACE Lord died peacefully at Swanage Cottage Hospital on January 27, not far from his home and local church, and his favourite walks in Durlston Park and Peveril Point.

He was 92 years old. Mr Lord was devoted to his family and his life was underpinned by his strong Methodist faith.

Born in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, he completed his war service in Newcastle where he worked as a draughtsman at Vickers Armstrong armaments factory and also served in the Home Guard.

During a time when the furniture industry in the Chilterns was a hive of activity, he worked in the family firm of ironmongers – Isaac Lord – supplying parts to the local furniture factories and tools to the workers.

On becoming manager he built and expanded the firm into a thriving business.

Mr Lord was an innovative and prescient leader, establishing strong links with German manufacturers and incorporating new ideas from the United States.

With the further effort of his son Alan and grandson Matthew, and in the teeth of tough competition from DIY warehouses and online trading, the family built the firm up to achieve national recognition and awards for Tool Dealer of the Year.

Mr Lord worked as a preacher on one day a week – walking and cycling to churches in the High Wycombe area, sometimes with his violin slung over his shoulder, to play hymns, preach and serve the church and the small congregations.

When he retired to Swanage he also preached there and was a vital member of the local church where his thanksgiving service was full of family, friends and old colleagues.

He supported numerous charities generously and in his eighties drove older people to the local hospice.

He was very proud of his family, and a loving husband to Betty until her sudden death in 1991. Later he found happiness again with Joy, whom he married in 1999.

His four children, eight grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren loved coming to visit him in Swanage, enjoying cricket in the back garden and the view over Ballard Down and the sea.

Mr Lord will be remembered by those who knew him for his smile and quiet nature, his inspiration and dedication to his family, faith and work.